Chapter 23 revised and edited. Review or PM me on what you think about this chapter now.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Heavily demonic voice'
'Fox talking'
"Fox thinking"
*expression*
Jutsu
Flashback
Chapter 23 – Choices
Itachi grabbed Sasuke's wrist and slammed it into the wall harshly, negating the Chidori and breaking Sasuke's wrist in the process.
'Argh.' Cried Sasuke in pain, as Itachi tightened his hold.
All of a sudden, Naruto burst out laughing and fell to the floor, prompting Kisame, Itachi, and even Sasuke, to stare weirdly at Naruto.
'Sorry about that, but I think we are going to have company soon.' Said Naruto, with barely restrained amusement in his expression.
A burst of smoke appeared and Jiraiya appeared with a girl slung over his shoulder, but the odd thing was that he was glaring at Naruto.
'Darn you brat, you gave me a fake wallet!' Shouted Jiraiya angrily.
This was too much for Naruto, who then fell to the floor laughing again, holding his stomach.
'Oh man, I miss pranking people.' Gasped Naruto between laughs.
Kisame then cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to the serious events that were unfolding before them. Sasuke was now pinned against the wall by Itachi, who was holding him around the neck and pressing him on the wall.
'Foolish little brother, you can't beat me this way and now let me show you why Tsukuyomi.' Said Itachi.
-line break-
'Sasuke… I'm sorry.' Said Itachi, which shocked Sasuke.
'Sorry? What on earth are you sorry for, you lunatic?' Shouted Sasuke.
'I made a grave mistake in not telling you the truth.' Said Itachi, which confused Sasuke.
'Huh?' Replied Sasuke unintelligently.
'The truth is, I was ordered to kill our clan by the council and Danzo.' Said Itachi.
Sasuke scoffed and said, 'Yeah right.' Which caused Itachi to turn and stare fiercely at Sasuke, with his Mangekyo Sharingan spinning.
'Fine, don't believe what I say, but I will show you the truth.' Said Itachi, as the scene quickly changed.
The first scene depicted Hiruzen assigning Itachi the mission to spy on his clan. The second depicted Shisui giving Itachi his remaining eye after telling him what happened to him and what would happen to the village if action was not taken, as well as Shisui's hopes for the future. The third scene depicted Itachi conversing with a man who wore an orange spiral mask with one hole for his eye, who was expressing his desire to kill the Uchiha clan. The fourth scene depicted Hiruzen's advisors, Homura and Koharu, along with Danzo, ordering Itachi to kill the clan. The fifth scene depicted Sasuke activating his Sharingan and attacking Itachi, who then knocked him out and shed a tear.
Sasuke was flabbergasted and could only croak out, 'Why?'
'You didn't know anything about what was happening at that time. Nor did you know anything about the Uchiha clan's foolish ideals, you were just a kid. Plus, it wasn't for your sake alone that I went through with this and let you live. I also thought that one day I should be judged for the crimes I committed, by an Uchiha like you, for that sake, I used the hatred within you and that's why I failed.' Said Itachi.
'I had intended for you to eventually kill me and restore honour to our clan, but your friend, Naruto, disagreed with my methods and plan.' Finished Itachi, before showing Sasuke everything said between Itachi and Naruto.
'Wait, I'm confused, how has Naruto suffered, and what is this illness you have?' Asked Sasuke.
'The former is Naruto's right to tell, as for the second, I'm afraid that I'm dying Sasuke. It is slow, but I do not have much time left. One last thing, little brother.' Said Itachi.
Sasuke looked up and Itachi poked him in the forehead like he did previously when they were young.
'Forgive me, Sasuke. There may not be another time.' Said Itachi smiling, before he deactivated the Tsukuyomi.
-line break-
Sasuke slumped down the wall, his world shattered to pieces. Itachi turned back to Kisame, Naruto, and Jiraiya, sparing a moment to send a meaningful glance at Naruto, while nodding his head ever so slightly, so that Kisame and Jiraiya wouldn't notice, but just enough so Naruto could.
'Kisame, we are leaving.' Said Itachi, before Jiraiya spoke.
'I don't think so.' Said Jiraiya, who quickly made hand signs and slammed his palms onto the ground and shouted, 'Ninja Art: Toad Mouth Trap.'
In an instant, a vast part of the previously brick and mortar hotel had turned in a completely different place, now being a large squishy pink area, which was sucking everyone in except for Jiraiya.
'Huh, what is this?' Said Naruto, as he struggled to move his foot.
'Don't move Naruto, the great fire breathing toad's mouth is sensitive, so don't move.' Cautioned Jiraiya, before he pressed his hands down deeper, which caused two tendrils of oesophageal lining to charge at Kisame and Itachi. Itachi started running away from the tendrils, with Kisame slashing the two tendrils pursuing them, before following his partner.
'Ha, you can't escape.' Said Jiraiya, who sunk his hands in deeper, causing more tendrils to charge.
Itachi and Kisame were approaching a window, but the tendrils were gaining on them. Itachi took a moment to focus and then opened his right eye.
'Amaterasu.' Shouted Itachi, as sinister black flames burnt through the oesophageal lining and the window, through which Kisame and Itachi escaped from the Sannin.
-line break-
'I don't believe it.' Said Jiraiya, as he looked at the black flames, which continued to burn.
'To be able to burn through the fire toad... this is no ordinary fire.' Commented Jiraiya.
Sasuke's body came back out of the oesophageal tissue and plopped onto the ground.
Jiraiya proceeded to seal up the fire, while Naruto walked over to Sasuke.
'Sasuke, are you all right?' Asked Naruto in a level tone.
Sasuke stared off into space for a while, before answering quietly.
'N-no Naruto. I don't think I am.' Said Sasuke
Naruto stayed there, waiting for Sasuke to say something else, but he didn't, which prompted Naruto to speak.
'Sasuke, believe me, I will find a way to help your brother.' Said Naruto.
Sasuke's neck almost snapped at the speed he raised his head up to look at Naruto and saw only unwavering determination in his eyes.
'Thanks Naruto.' Said Sasuke showing a rare smile.
Naruto nodded, before Jiraiya walked over.
'Well Uchiha, this is a surprise, I expected you to be incapacitated after what Itachi put you through.' Said Jiraiya cheerfully.
Sasuke glared at Jiraiya for this comment, as he was in a way bad mouthing his brother.
'Actually pervy sage...' Begun Naruto, before he filled Jiraiya in on what the situation was, with Sasuke also backing him up with what he was told.
'Stupid Danzo and arrogant Uchihas. Ruining a person's life like that.' Said Jiraiya angrily, before changing his tone.
'However, the person we are looking for is a renowned healer and we just may be able to have her cure Itachi if we can find her.' Said Jiraiya, grabbing both Naruto and Sasuke's attention.
'Are you sure your teammate can help Itachi, Jiraiya.' Said Naruto seriously, which Jiraiya picked up on easily, as he rarely ever called him Jiraiya.
'I'm all but certain.' Said Jiraiya, which made both Sasuke and Naruto smile a little.
'Well then, what are we waiting for pervy sage...' Begun Naruto, before he was interrupted by a shout of, 'Dynamic Entry.' Which was followed by a fly kick to Jiraiya's face. The deliverer of the kick, Guy, who had been smiling as he launched the kick, suddenly lost his smile due to his surprise when he realised, he had just kicked a Sannin.
-line break-
After apologising profusely, Guy left with Sasuke to go back to the Leaf Village, but first gave Naruto a green jumpsuit, similar to the one he and Lee wore.
Naruto blanched at it and as Guy walked away, Jiraiya commented on its skintight qualities in apparent dismay, at having to see Guy walk off wearing it. Naruto then had a thought on what Guy's team would look like if they all wore the green jumpsuit. His vision of Neji in a green jumpsuit had him twitching, but his idea of Tenten wearing it started to get his blood running, which gave him a slight nosebleed, which caused Jiraiya to stare gobsmacked.
'NO! My godson is a homosexual!' Shouted Jiraiya, who started weeping uncontrollably.
'Huh? What do you mean godson and I'M NOT GAY?' Shouted Naruto angrily.
'Is that why you got a nosebleed while watching GUY walk away?!' Accused Jiraiya, stealthily avoiding the godson part.
'I was imagining someone else in it, a GIRL I know.' Said Naruto, stressing the world girl.
'Thank goodness.' Breathed Jiraiya.
'Now what was that about a godson, Jiraiya?' Said Naruto menacingly.
Jiraiya then caved and told Naruto that he was his godfather and how he was named after a character from one of his books, which lead to Naruto feeling violated.
'I-I'm named after a character in one of your books.' Twitched Naruto.
'Yep, my very first, The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi.' Said Jiraiya, who unknowingly saved himself from a massive punch to the face.
'Can I read it?' Asked Naruto.
Jiraiya was at first surprised, but then gave Naruto a copy, calling it a, 'crappy godfather present' as it was his attempt of saying he was sorry for being a crappy godfather.
Naruto picked it up and started reading and walking next to Jiraiya in a similar fashion to Kakashi.
-line break-
Partial time skip to when Jiraiya and Naruto arrived in Tanzaku Town
-line break-
Elsewhere, a well-endowed pigtailed blonde was in a bar contemplating what she had been offered today by her old teammate, Orochimaru. He had asked her to heal his arms and in exchange, he would reunite her with her loved ones.
'TSUNDAE!' Shouted Jiraiya, as entered the bar.
'JIRAIYA?' Shouted back Tsunade, utterly confused as to what he was even doing here.
'Finally! I've been looking all over for you.' Said Jiraiya as he slid into Tsunade's booth, with Naruto following suit, never lifting his eyes from the book.
Naruto promptly ignored the conversation between Tsunade and Jiraiya, as he was deeply immersed in his book, but something that was said brought him out of it.
'Hokage is a fool's job and only an idiot would want to be one.' Said Tsunade.
Jiraiya looked over and saw Naruto had closed his book for the first time since he got it and his head down, causing his bangs to overshadow his eyes, making Jiraiya feel uneasy.
'Hey lady, mind repeating what you just said?' Asked Naruto, in an eerily quiet and calm tone.
Tsunade as if noticing the boy for the first time turned to look at him.
"The nine tails brat?" Thought Tsunade puzzled.
'Hey Jiraiya, who is this pipsqueak? He is nothing like your old apprentice.' Said Tsunade.
Naruto stood up, his bangs still overshadowing his eyes and slammed his fist through the table and left a fist sized hole when he pulled his hand out of it.
'ANSWER THE QUESTION LADY!' Shouted Naruto, as he glared at Tsunade with rage in his eyes.
Tsunade remained calm and spoke, 'I said the Hokage is a fool's job and so were all of them, especially sensei and the Fourth.'
'THAT'S IT! OUTSIDE, NOW!' Demanded Naruto, as he stormed out of the establishment.
Tsunade scoffed and followed, as did Jiraiya and Shizune, Tsunade's assistant who was holding Tonton, Tsunade's pet pig.
-line break-
Outside
-line break-
'Hey brat, why are you so touchy about the Hokage anyway?' Asked Tsunade.
'It's because unlike you, my dream is to become the Hokage, so I can protect all those who are precious to me, as well as the village.' Said Naruto.
Tsunade saw the spirit and dreams of her brother and lover in Naruto and became upset, before it shifted to anger.
'Heh, a brat like you will never become Hokage, in fact, I will only need this one finger to beat you into the ground.' Said Tsunade cockily.
'Tsunade, a word of warning, don't underestimate him.' Said Jiraiya seriously.
'Heh, Jiraiya, I didn't know you were becoming weak in your old age.' Replied Tsunade.
'Fine, if you're done talking, grandma, let's do this.' Said Naruto, as he settled into his stance.
Tsunade grew a tick mark at the grandma crack, but was surprised he settled into a stance, as she had pegged him as the charge in blindly type.
'GRR you brat!' Growled Tsunade, as she charged at Naruto.
She poked Naruto, but he merely vanished into a puff of smoke.
"What, when did he make a clone and how can he make Shadow Clones?" Pondered Tsunade.
'Heh, you are pathetic, even pervy sage wouldn't have fallen for that. I guess your special Transformation doesn't help you retain your skills, granny.' Said Naruto, as he jumped down from a building near where Tsunade was before her initial charge.
'Now let me show you what a brat, can really do.' Said Naruto, as he formed twin Rasengan.
Tsunade was shocked at seeing this brat using two Rasengan and quickly slammed her finger into the ground splitting it, causing the Naruto to dispel.
'Brat, why don't you fight me, are these clones a way of you showing your cowardice?' Mocked Tsunade but shivered after saying it.
Naruto had a three-pronged kunai to the front of her throat.
'Actually, it's because you are stupidly underestimating me, which in the real world, would have just got you killed.' Said Naruto in a dead cold tone, which made Tsunade shiver again.
'Also, keep in mind that I only used three techniques against you and didn't even have to use my tenant's chakra, so remember: don't you dare bad mouth the Hokage in front of me, or next time you will pay.' Whispered Naruto into her ear, slightly frightening her, even if he was only around fifteen years old.
Naruto took his kunai off her throat and begun to walk back to Jiraiya, when Tsunade spoke.
'What was the third technique you used?' Asked Tsunade, only remembering two, namely Rasengan, and Shadow Clone Jutsu.
'This.' Said Naruto as he threw the three-pronged kunai he was holding near Jiraiya, before he flashed to the very spot in a blur of orange.
Tsunade and Shizune were gob smacked, while Jiraiya merely chuckled. Tsunade began to get annoyed that she was beaten so easily, so she tried to turn things into her favour.
'Hey kid.' Said Tsunade, which caused Naruto to turn his neck a little to look at her.
'I heard that the Rasengan is an incomplete jutsu and that you're learning sealing techniques from Jiraiya.' Said Tsunade, to which Naruto nodded.
'Well how about a bet then? If you can create one original sealing technique and finish the Rasengan by the end of the week, I will come back with you and heal your sensei and friend, hell, I'll even become Hokage. Why not, I'll also throw in my necklace. However, if you lose, I get all of the money in foxy on your belt over there.' Said Tsunade, pointing to his bulging fox wallet.
'Deal lady.' Said Naruto, before he threw a three-pronged kunai near a deserted field surrounded by trees and disappeared in the signature orange flash.
'Tsunade, that was a terrible bet, but at least now I don't have to worry because you will be coming back to the village for sure.' Chuckled Jiraiya.
'Why is that?' Asked Tsunade with narrowed eyes.
'Well he learnt Rasengan in four days and said he would have it completed ten days after the Chunin exams, this is day seven, also, he is a natural at the sealing techniques I've showed him so far, after all, it's practically in his blood. So, like I said, you will be coming back for sure.' Finished Jiraiya before walking back into the bar.
-line break-
Five days later
-line break-
Naruto had just woken up, having passed out the day before due to the seal he created, as using it the first time unexpectedly drained him of his chakra. Naruto walked back to the hotel he and Jiraiya were supposed to be staying at, but instead of Jiraiya, he saw Shizune passed out on the floor.
'Shizune, it's time to wake up.' Said Naruto, nudging Shizune.
Shizune blinked, before shooting up and grabbed Naruto's arms.
'What time is it? What day is it?' Shouted Shizune frantically.
'Um, it's Friday morning.' Said Naruto, quite surprised at Shizune's attitude.
'Oh no, we have to hurry.' Began Shizune, before opening the window and sticking her head out, before quickly pulling it back in to avoid a kunai.
'*huff* Shizune *huff* where is Tsunade?' Croaked out an exhausted looking Jiraiya.
Jiraiya then filled Naruto and Shizune in on Tsunade drugging him and Shizune explaining about the deal with Orochimaru.
'Grr she better decline, or she will wish I had killed her five days ago.' Growled Naruto, with his eyes turning into red slits.
-line break-
Naruto, Jiraiya and Shizune arrived at the meeting point to see it smashed to pieces.
"Good choice granny." Thought Naruto, who now allowed his eyes to turn blue again.
A loud explosion was heard in the distance.
'Come on, the fight must be still going on!' Shouted Jiraiya as he leapt away, with Shizune and Naruto following closely behind.
-line break-
With Tsunade
-line break-
'I previously had the utmost respect for you, with you being a medical ninja like me, but now I can see you are only a shell of what you once were and are now nothing but a weak, defenceless, woman. Die!' Shouted Kabuto, as he aimed a Chakra Scalpel at Tsunade's neck, but jumped back when a cloud of smoke appeared in front of him.
'Well Kabuto, it looks like my suspicion was correct, you are a spy.' Said Naruto.
'Well Naruto, I didn't expect to see you here.' Said Kabuto.
'Tell me, were you the one who beat up the old lady back here.' Said Naruto, inclining his head back to indicate Tsunade.
'Yes.' Said Kabuto happily.
'How dare you! Only I can do that!' Said Naruto, causing everyone, even Orochimaru, to sweat drop.
'Um, ok.' Said Kabuto clearly confused.
'As for you, OROCHIMARU!' Shouted Naruto, as his first tail emerged.
'YOU WILL DIE.' Roared Naruto, as a wave of malice washed over the battlefield.
The abrupt and intense killing intent and bloodlust Naruto created shocked Tsunade out of her blood induced fear and caused her to look up.
'W-what is going on?' Asked Tsunade.
'Well, I'm guessing Lord Orochimaru's murder of the Third had quite an effect on Naruto. Although I guess that is understandable when one of the only three people who cared about you for thirteen years of your life dies.' Said Kabuto as he pushed his glasses up.
-line break-
'Die!' Shouted Naruto, as he lunged at Orochimaru with a claw swipe.
Orochimaru dodged the straightforward attack and kicked Naruto in the side, pushing him off the snake Orochimaru was standing on. Naruto's anger was rising, and the second tail emerged.
'CURSE YOU, OROCHIMARU!' Shouted Naruto, as he drew his sword and channelled fire and wind chakra into his sword.
Naruto then jumped and aimed his sword above Orochimaru and came down with a downward thrust in an attempt to bisect him, but Orochimaru jumped off the snake, which promptly collapsed when Naruto came down and stabbed it in the head, splitting it in half and partially cooking it.
'RARGH JUST DIE!' Shouted Naruto, as the third tail appeared.
Naruto then began to form two Rasengan in his hands, assisted by the chakra shroud around him. He then used one of his tails to pull out a three-pronged kunai which he threw near Orochimaru. Naruto vanished and appeared in front of Orochimaru with murder in his eyes.
'Double Demon Rasengan Tornado.' Shouted Naruto, before slamming his hands together, causing both of the purple Rasengan to merge and go unstable, before erupting in a purple cyclone starting from his hands, which quickly spread outward and drilled right through Orochimaru.
Naruto then released all of his demonic chakra, thinking he killed Orochimaru.
'Very impressive, Naruto, but I'm afraid your mindless behaviour will get Tsunade killed.' Said Orochimaru, who emerged from a dust cloud, untouched by Naruto's attack.
Naruto then threw five kunai and shouted, 'Wind Style: Gale Palm.' which sped up the kunai, which ripped through Orochimaru.
'Like I said.' Said Orochimaru, as he dissolved into mud.
"No granny!" Thought Naruto frantically, as quickly looked around for Tsunade.
-line break-
Shizune was fighting Kabuto, while Tsunade was healing Jiraiya, helping to get the chakra restricting drug she gave him the night before out of his system, so he could join in the battle. Orochimaru suddenly appeared behind Tsunade with his Kusanagi sticking out of his tongue, which he then swung directly behind Tsunade, in an attempt to behead her.
There was a huge spatter of blood a moment later, followed by a scream from Tsunade.
-line break-
Naruto was bleeding with a deep gash across his chest.
'Well I thought you were going to kill me, however, it seems as though the reverse has happened, wouldn't you say, Naruto.' Said Orochimaru mockingly.
'Ugh we'll see, also, granny, prepare to pay up on our bet.' Said Naruto, before he kicked Orochimaru onto a seal array ten metres in diameter, which his clones had been making ever since the start of the battle.
'Sealing Jutsu: Complete Chakra Nullification Seal.' Said Naruto, as he slammed both his hands with his wrists together, both palms facing downwards, onto the outside of the seal.
Orochimaru cried in pain as all feeling left his body, leaving him an immobile shell.
'WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!' Shouted Orochimaru.
'I nullified all your chakra, meaning you can't move and will die soon, as you can't use the chakra you need to live, but why drag out the inevitable?' Said Naruto, as he formed a Rasengan in his right hand.
'Now to win that bet.' Said Naruto, as he held the Rasengan in his right hand and then took his left hand and rapidly gave it palm thrusts, injecting wind chakra into the Rasengan, which then made four small white blade like protrusions appear around the Rasengan.
'Now DIE! Shouted Naruto, as he charged at the immobilised Snake Sannin.
'Wind Style: Rasengan.' Shouted Naruto, as he slammed the vibrant ball of death into Orochimaru's navel.
Orochimaru cried in pain and was picked up off the ground on impact, before his head and shoulders were sent spinning out of the seal array, while his lower body and torso where being shredded to pieces, with blood flying everywhere.
'*gasp* That almost ended me *huff*.' Said Orochimaru, before he opened his mouth, which along with his head and neck, was all that remained of him.
Seconds later a completely new Orochimaru emerged from the decapitated head, once again completely unharmed by Naruto's attack, but was panting with the severe strain it put on him to accomplish, having his chakra barely replenished after being nullified.
'Kabuto, we're leaving.' Said Orochimaru.
Kabuto promptly disengaged from his battle with Shizune and appeared at Orochimaru's side, before both disappeared in a Body Flicker.
'Aw damn it.' Said Naruto, before he passed out from blood loss.
-line break-
Tsunade quickly got up and ran towards Naruto, in order to make sure he was okay.
"Oh no he has lost a lot of blood from that gash. I need to heal him fast." Thought Tsunade, who frantically got to work healing Naruto.
'L-lady Tsunade your hemophobia.' Stammered Shizune.
'Not important now, I am not going to let another die because of this stupid fear.' Said Tsunade, as she continued healing Naruto.
Jiraiya meanwhile had also ambled over and was watching the events unfold. All of a sudden, Naruto slowly lifted his arm and grabbed Tsunade's necklace.
'Hey, Tsunade, looks like I won the bet.' Said Naruto, before he coughed blood.
'Also, don't worry, I won't die until I become Hokage, you just keep the seat warm for me.' Said Naruto, as he pulled off her necklace and gripped it tightly, before he lowered his arm again and promptly passed out.
Tsunade smiled as she gently took the necklace from his hand and put it around his neck, before she took off his headband and kissed Naruto's forehead.
'You will be a fine man one day and a fine Hokage.' Said Tsunade, after which she put his headband back on.
Jiraiya was the only one who noticed, but as Tsunade did this, he saw Naruto smile a little.
"Yep, the brat is going to be a heartbreaker one day." Thought Jiraiya.
-line break-
At the same time after Jiraiya's declaration, women everywhere shivered.
I also own Sealing Jutsu: Complete Chakra Nullification Seal. Now I have very good news… I am back and will be finally doing a new chapter, as my entire story so far has been edited.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.